Setting Up a China E-Commerce Platform for a Brazilian Beef Importer
A leading Brazilian beef producer wanted to reach China's growing tier-2 and tier-3 city consumers through Tmall. Acadia structured the Hong Kong holding company and Shanghai trading WFOE, arranged import logistics, and supported the online store launch, helping the client reach USD 7 million in annual revenue with just two China-based staff.
2 min read
Client
A well-established Brazilian beef producer with retail distributors in Beijing and Shanghai. With strong brand recognition in tier-1 cities, the client wanted to expand its China footprint by reaching consumers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities through Tmall, China’s leading B2C e-commerce platform.
Challenge
- No existing China e-commerce entity or import infrastructure
- Needed a corporate structure that would permit importing, trading, and invoicing under Chinese law
- Required a Tmall storefront, logistics partner, and cross-border coordination between Brazil headquarters and the China team
- Limited China-based headcount available: the client wanted to test the model with minimal operational overhead
Solution
Corporate structure: Acadia advised on a two-tier holding structure, a Hong Kong holding company above a Trading WFOE (FICE) in Shanghai. The Trading WFOE obtained the necessary import/export licences and customs registration.
Logistics and fulfilment: We coordinated with a licensed logistics service provider to manage beef imports through customs, including cold chain, CIQ inspection, and clearance. Products were then transferred to a Tmall-registered distribution centre for storage and last-mile delivery.
Tmall store: The Acadia client services team worked with the client’s Brazil headquarters and the Tmall operations team to design, develop, and launch the online storefront.
HR and compliance: The client hired two local employees to coordinate Tmall operations and logistics. Acadia handled employment contracts, social insurance registration, and all monthly accounting, tax filing, and fund transfers.
Outcome
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Time to first sale | Approximately 3 months from engagement |
| Annual revenue | USD 7 million |
| China headcount | 2 employees |
| Accounting & compliance | Fully outsourced to Acadia |
The lean structure enabled the client to test and grow China’s online channel without establishing a large in-country team. All profits were repatriated through the established corporate structure under standard foreign exchange procedures.
Considering a China e-commerce entry? Request a consultation to discuss corporate structure, import licences, and Tmall setup for your sector.
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